Published: 23 February 2023
A new road name in central London - Kyiv Road - was announced today by Westminster City Council to mark the first anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army.
The new address will cover a small section of Bayswater Road W2 and is a short distance from the Russian embassy.
Cllr Adam Hug, Leader of Westminster City Council, said he believed the new road name was a fitting gesture for a nation whose bravery had inspired the international community.
He said:
The request for a new placename has come from the Ukrainian community itself. Westminster is home to Ukrainians displaced by the war, and our residents have opened their hearts and their doors to those fleeing Putin’s war machine.
“As the centre of an international capital, it seemed to us entirely fitting that part of our City should carry a torch for the unbowed defenders of Ukraine. It’s a small stretch of road, but we want to show the people of Ukraine that their struggle has a visible place in our City.
“Placenames across London have changed over the decades to mark momentous points or figures in history, so Kyiv Road is part of that long tradition.”
The new “Kyiv Road” sign will be installed this Friday on a stretch of Bayswater Road which runs from Palace Court to Ossington Street.
Cllr Hug made the pledge to rename a Westminster street to mark the Ukrainian/Russian war on taking office in May 2022 and he underlined the council’s support for Ukraine at a Trafalgar Square rally held on Thursday night.
Marble Arch is tonight (Friday) being lit up in the Ukrainian colours and the Ukrainian flag will fly above Westminster City Hall in Victoria Street.
His Excellency Vadym Prystaiko, Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, said:
Kyiv Road is a symbol of solidarity with the Ukrainian people and a tribute to their unwavering spirit in the face of aggression. It is a reminder that the struggle of Ukraine has the attention of the international community. We are grateful to the Westminster City Council and its residents for their support in honouring our nation's capital and its brave defenders."
The change of street name has been supported by Bayswater councillors Maggie Carman, James Small-Edwards and Max Sullivan and paid for from existing ward budgets - so there is no additional cost to residents.